April 2014 - Oregon Knife Collectors Association

OKCA 39th Annual • April 12-13
KNIFE SHOW
Lane Events Center EXHIBIT HALL • Eugene, Or egon
April 2014
Our international membership is happily involved with “Anything that goes ‘cut’!”
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE OKCA 39th ANNUAL KNIFE SHOW & SALE
April 12 - 13 * Lane Events Center & Fairgrounds, Eugene, Oregon
In the super large EXHIBIT HALL. Now 360 Tables!
W
ELCOME to the Oregon Knife Collectors
Association Special Show Knewslettter.
On Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, we
want to welcome you and your friends and family
to the famous and spectacular OREGON KNIFE
SHOW & SALE. Now the Largest organizational
Knife Show East & West of the Mississippi River.
The OREGON KNIFE SHOW happens just
once a year, at the Lane Events Center EXHIBIT
HALL, 796 West 13th Avenue in Eugene, Oregon.
April 12 - 13. Saturday 8AM - 5PM. Sunday
9AM - 3PM.
At the Show, don’t miss the special live
demonstrations on Saturday. This year we have
Blade Forging, Flint Knapping, quality Kitchen
Cutlery seminar, Knife Handle Designs, Martial
Arts, Scrimshaw, Self Defense and Sharpening
Knives.
Don’t miss the FREE knife identification and
appraisal by Tommy Clark from Marion, VA
(Table N01) - Mark Zalesky from Knoxville TN
(Table N02) and Mike Silvey on military knives
is from Pollock Pines CA (Table J14).
When you arrive sign up for a chance to win a
special door prize. We will have a Silent Auction
Saturday only. Just like eBay but real and live.
Anyone can enter to bid in the Silent Auction. See
the display cases at the Club table to make a bid
on some extra special knives .
Along the side walls, we will have twenty
three
MUSEUM QUALITY KNIFE AND
CUTLERY COLLECTIONS ON DISPLAY for
your enjoyment and education, in addition to our
hundreds of tables of hand-made, factory and
antique knives for sale. Now 360 tables! When
you arrive you can get lots more information
about the Knife Show and about the Oregon Knife
Collectors Association (OKCA) at the Club table,
to the left of the entrance.
COME JOIN US AT THIS 39th ONCE A YEAR KNIFE/CUTLERY SHOW!!!
OKCA Bowie Knife
Challenge Visitor
Guide
Welcome visitors to the OKCA Knife
Show and our OKCA Bowie Knife
Challenge. You may have started to
look around and seen a lot of big knives
around, more than normal. The Bowie
Knife is our theme this year. But it could
be a little confusing, as there are some
smaller knives being called bowies too.
So here is a visitor primer to clue you
into some of the bowies’ background and
basics.
The guy who
started the bowie
knife craze is one
Rezin Bowie who
gave his brother
Jim Bowie his
newly made knife
while Jim was on
his way to act as a second at a duel. The
loaned knife was said to have a 9-1/2”
long blade, 1-1/2” wide and it looked
more like a butcher knife. On September
19, 1827, Bowie served as a second in
a friend’s duel held on the first sandbar
above Natchez, Mississippi. At the
appointed spot the duelists each fired
two shots, missed; as neither man was
injured they resolved their duel with
a handshake. With honor satisfied and
the unharmed participants leaving the
field, enemies on both sides decided it
a good time to settle their differences;
and a wild melee broke out leaving two
men dead and another four wounded.
Bowie managed to save his own life by
dispatching Norris Wright with his knife,
Page 2
despite suffering seven stab wounds
from sword canes and having been shot
through both the lungs and thigh. The
story of the “Terrible Rencontre” spread
from newspaper to newspaper across
the country, and Jim Bowie became a
household name. These results of the
fight, later called the Sandbar fight,
were not pretty, but grew in fame; and
the “Bowie” knife legend grew with that
fame, growing not only in popularity but
also in blade size.
Sheffield, England knife manufacturers
soon grabbed onto this Sandbar fight
story by mass marketing bowie knives
in a big way. Most had a clipped blade,
even though the original probably didn’t.
Most bowie knives came from England,
though there are early American made
bowie knives; but you better be prepared
to have a large hole cut in your wallet if
you want to buy one of them.
One of the coolest mass produced
bowies is the Ciphered Bowie that had
animals, even hunting scenes with deer
being chased by dog packs and mounted
men, deeply stamped,versus acid etched,
up and down the blade. Some say the
stamping caused stress fractures to
the blade leading to blade failure, thus
unpopularity; but others argue that it
was advances in acid etching that lead
to their demise after about ten years of
production. Etching would surely be
less labor intensive versus stamping.
Whatever the reason Ciphered Bowies
are hard to find.
In the beginning Americans liked their
bowies big, real big! Especially during
the start of the civil War, thousands went
out (especially Southerners) and got a big
knife, with many having their pictures
taken with their BIG Bowie Knife.
The funny thing was after a few
months of full pack, twenty mile
hikes, these big heavy knives got
tossed aside. In stepped what is
called the hollow handle bowie.
Originally introduced during
the gold rush, these smaller, all
metal, much lighter and cheaply
mass produced, bowie knives
were sold by the scores during
the Civil War years and after
the War, soon
disappeared.
They also had
cool patriotic
sayings
acid
etched on the
blades which
were a real
selling point.
Look for them
at the Show.
The invention of the cartridge bullet
shrunk the size of the bowie knife.
Misfires were less common, guns could
be loaded quicker, and the need for a
more manageable sized bowie knife
resulted. You may ask if the bowie knife
is smaller is it as important or worthless?
A small bowie owned by Knife World
editor Mark Zalesky has won Best
American Knife, not once but twice, at
the Natchez Bowie Knife Show; and you
could buy a top end luxury car for what
he values it. California bowies are small
but pack a big punch to the wallet if you
want one.
The
surprising
thing
is
that
custom
made
bowies have been
packing a real
wallop in the
price department
too,
compared
to similar sized
antique bowies! You will have a chance
to see some of the best custom made
bowies right here in Eugene. The artistry
in these knives should not only hold but
increase in value over the years. If you
see a beauty from a maker just starting to
make his or her name, I say buy it while
you can afford to.
Read more about hollow handle bowies,
ciphered bowies, custom bowies,
and get more bowie facts from our
Knewslettters dated from September
2013 through April 2014. You can find
them by visiting our website where our
library of Knewslettters can be found.
Enjoy the Show and ask questions
of our knowledgeable dealers and
collectors.
What Can U Expect To See At A Knife Show?
A knife is man’s earliest tool. It has
evolved from a simple tool to a symbol
for royalty and to an art form. It is used
daily in all facets of our lives and has
also become a protector of freedoms in
our battles. The knife can be made of
steel but also stone, bronze, ceramic or
other exotic materials.
holder or a visitor. Interest in this cutlery
world runs from the historical to the
artistic. And in this realm you will see
knifemakers displaying their products.
You will also see suppliers of products
that are used to make up the knives.
This can be leather for sheaths, handle
materials that are man made or natural,
tools to make knives and art forms that
are specialized to enhance the knife with
exotic material like gold and silver. The
knife also presents itself to the artist who
will use their talents for scrimshaw and
engraving to make knives with artful
expression.
As in all collecting circles there are
specialists that home in on special arenas
of a subject. See the displays that adorn
the walls on the perimeter of the room.
These are truly museum quality displays.
Enjoy and learn from them.
The knife at our Show takes on a
new definition under the umbrella of
“anything that goes cut.” It can mean
a corkscrew, a hat pin, a sword, a
pocketknife, scissors, a hunting knife,
a military knife, an art form, a kitchen
knife or a butter knife.
Our once-a-year gathering brings in
cutlery enthusiasts from around the
world; and, with much excitement, we
now rightfully claim to be the largest
event like this in the world. All parts of
the globe are represented at our Show
with visitors from Europe, Africa, Asia
and North America. You will also be
hard pressed to find a state in our country
that is not represented either by a table-
April 2014
On
Saturday
we
have seminars and
demonstrations
that
will show the making
of
stone
knives,
scrimshaw, culturally
unique knives, skills at
knife handling and the
making of knives through forging. We
will have it all at this year’s spectacular
360 table all knife show.
As you wander the aisles of our Show,
you can stop at any of the custom
maker’s tables and examine their skill
and craft. You can stop at the tables
where you will find knife collectors
selling their knives and find out why that
knife in your tackle box or the one in the
drawer could be just like the one offered
for $100.00. Further exploring will find
many commercial knives for sale that
are from Al Mar, Buck, Case, Coast
Cutlery, Gerber, Great Eastern, Kershaw,
Queen, Randall, Ruana, Spyderco and
numerous other companies. You will
also see the latest knives being offered
with new and innovative patterns and
opening mechanisms.
Don’t forget to bring grandma’s or
grandpa’s old knife or the one you have
no idea about and have it appraised for
free at our Show. You never know what
that knife you use to dig weeds might
be worth. It might even stop you from
digging weeds with it, as has happened
in some cases. Or in some cases you
might want to even upgrade your weed
digger and attack those weeds with a
little class.
This organization has encouraged
donations which are used for two
purposes. We have door prize drawings,
and some pretty spiffy knives are given
to lucky winners. We will also have
our Silent Auction on Saturday. These
are the extra special knives that are
donated to help fund our event and are
sometimes one-of-a-kind knives or
special collector’s knives. Watch this
auction carefully and get involved. It is
located at the Club table, and anyone can
get in on the bidding.
The idea for the Oregon Knife Show
evolved some 39 plus years ago. The
idea then was the same as it is today.
This is a fun Show. It is designed to be
educational, informative and a happyface place. It is designed to show off the
skills and craftsmanship that are so much
a part of the “World that goes cut.” It is a
once-a-year museum. It is a once-a-year
art show. It is a once-a-year show for
people to share interests and get to see
friends. We do not specialize in interest
groups that are lumped together but
instead randomly have all types of knife
related merchandise on tables scattered
throughout the building.
And just like Disneyland, all the food
here has no calories.
If yours is an interest in pointy things
or “things that go cut”.....
Come join us...
Page 3
Demonstrations & educational seminars at the Show
The demonstrations on Saturday will feature various aspects of
the cutlery world. The seminars will vary from the educational
to the entertaining. These seminars will take place in either
Meeting room #3 or #4 at the south end of the building.
Edge-U-Cation on Kitchen
Cutlery - Joshua Hill (N04)
- Albany OR - Did you ever
wonder what the proper use
was for one of those knives
in your kitchen? Joshua will
teach you about kitchen cutlery
and the correct knife for the
correct job. An education on
something everyone has in
their home. If there is a knife
you have in the kitchen and you have curiosity about its form
and function, bring it to Joshua at the seminar or at his table.
Saturday 9 AM.
Micro-Observation of Knives - Murray Carter (P01)
- Vernonia OR - Learn how to see all the secrets your
knife has to share. There is more to knives than just cut.
Saturday 10:00 AM.
Sharpening Of Knives
Lynn Moore (O13) - Fall
Creek OR. Lynn is passionate
about knives. To be passionate
about something is to know it;
and therefore Lynn can share
his sharpening skills for those
who actually want to cut with
your knives. When you are
done with this seminar, you will
understand how to sharpen a
knife and what sharp is all about.
Saturday 11:00 AM.
Forging Knives - David Rider
(O14) and Martin Brandt (N14) will be heading up the
forging presentations. The forging will involve basic forging,
making an all steel knife, using the anvil or making a forged
tool. It doesn’t get better than this as far as demonstrating this
art form. Entry to this demonstration is through the doors at
the southeast corner of the building. Saturday 12:00 and also
Sunday 12:00
Filipino Kali Knife Fighting
Techniques - Suttle Impact
Martial Arts, Eugene OR.
Bobby Stroup will present
a primer of defensive and
offensive skills utilizing martial arts. Since this is a knife
show, you will see uses of knife manipulation in this seminar.
Saturday 12 NOON
Page 4
Non Lethal Response With
an Edged Tool - Bram Frank
(T04) - CRMIPT: Close Range/
Control Response Medium
ImPact Tool with Rescue
capability. Grandmaster Bram
Frank the director of CSSD/SC,
Black Belt Magazines Hall of
Fame Weapons Instructor of the
Year will demonstrate the use of
his CRMIPT non lethal tool and
its applications for the civilian
and those in the security / LE
fields: breakaways, takedowns,
joint locking, impact resistance and the application of non
lethal against those using lethal force such as knives. The
Safety/ Rescue capability of the tool will be shown as the
tool for in the car or home carry for glass break, seat belt and
clothing cutting. Saturday 1:00 PM.
Exotic handle material for a knife - Dan Westlind (G09) Dan will be showing techniques
for putting handles on knives.
His specialty is working with
exotic material. The issue of
ivory is a hot topic these days,
and Dan will explain and
discuss this subject. Saturday
2:00 PM
Flint Knapping - Martin
Schempp (T11) - Ephrata WA
- has been giving presentations
at our Show for many years.
Martin
will
demonstrate
this 10,000 year old craft
of making tools from stone.
Saturday 3:00 PM.
Scrimshaw - Bob Hergert
- Port Orford OR - is an artist
who enjoys sharing his art skills
with interested persons. He
will be demonstrating his craft
during the whole Show from
Table X15.
Chapel Service - There are many people who come from
far away but want to start their Sunday at a worship service.
We have brought the Chapel to our Knife Show at 8:05 AM
Sunday morning in the meeting room at the south end of the
building. Howard Hoskins (L04), Culdesac ID, presides over
this service.
Show Schedule
The Oregon Knife Collectors 39th Annual Knife Show will be
held at the Lane Events Center EXHIBIT HALL, 796 West
13th Avenue in Eugene Oregon. This is the same location as
the 2013 Show, 360 TABLES, the Largest of its kind Knife
Show in the World!!!
Friday April 11, 8:00 AM - Metallurgy seminar.
Meeting room #3. Open to the public and members. See notice
in this issue.
Friday, April 11, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM:
Exhibitor set up and members-only day. No exceptions.
AFTER 2:00 PM new members may sign up at the door
($20 individual, $25 family).
Membership renewals AFTER
2:00PM.
Saturday April 12, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM:
DIRECTIONS TO THE
LANE EVENTS CENTER
From 1-5 take exit 194B. Stay on I-105 west until the
end (it crosses over the Willamette River and then curves
to the left). I-105 ends at 7th and Jefferson (when I-105
widens to three lanes, stay in the center lane to avoid being
forced to turn). Proceed straight ahead, south on Jefferson,
straight through the intersection at 13th & Jefferson, where
you will enter the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds:
796 W 13th Ave., Eugene, OR 97402, (541)682-4292. The
EXHIBIT HALL is at the south end of the large building
on your right. The entrance is around on the west side.
Parking is available on both sides. Check out our website
for a Google map of our location.
Open to the public. $6.00 admission. Special two day pass
also available. 9:30 AM new member sign up at the Show.
Demonstrations will be held throughout the day.
5:00 PM
Saturday Night Awards Presentations and
recognitions. Meeting Room #4
Sunday April 13, 8:05 AM: Chapel service, Meeting
Room #4. Chaplain Howard Hoskins conducting.
Sunday April 13, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Open to the
public. The Show is open until 3PM, and all tables will be full
until this time.
City and County Regulations require that there be:
No smoking within the Exhibit Hall at any time.
No alcoholic beverages consumed within the Exhibit Hall
during the public hours of the Show.
OKCA Website
http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/
Our website will surprise you with all the aspects of
cutlery we have to show. We have included links to our
members and the special articles from our Knewslettter
that are educational and informative. All our Knewslettters
are posted dating from April, 2001; and that is a pile of
reading if you like knives. Questions about our Show can
also be found on the FAQ page. The library of all our Club
sponsored knives can be found here in addition to all the
people who contribute to our Show; and, when available,
we provide links for these contributors. Want to know
what the demonstrations will be at our Show? Go to our
web page. Do a Google search on “OKCA,” and our site
should be the first one on the list. Let your fingers do the
walking to our web page.
April 2014
Page 5
OKCA
39th
K N I F E
A p r i l
Annual
S H OW
1 2 - 1 3
•
L a n e
Cutlery Displays
E v e n t s
C e n t e r
•
E u g e n e ,
Phil Rodenberg - A05
Rare Gerber Legendary
Blades
Ted Fitzwater - A15
The Gurkha And
His Kukri.
This year Phil will be
showing his Gerber Knife
collection including the
Sterling Handle Gorham
blade knives that he recently
acquired..
Ted hopes to show a little
insight into the Gurkha
and the one weapon most
attributed to him, the kukri.
The kukri is a curved
Nepalese knife used both as
a tool and as a weapon.
Ron Carriveau - A06
Balisongs a.k.a. Butterfly Knives
This display is about balisong/butterfly knives from common
production to rare handmade models, including information and
history about the knives.
Mike Kyle - A07
Remington Knives
A display of Remington knives dating from 1982 to 2014. Each knife
is dated with the year of production. You will see original Remington
knife posters by artist L. W. Duke. On display will be a very large
custom wood knife - 8ft long with two blades with a Remington
bullet on the side. Remington red/white and blue 1920s patriotic
knives will be on display too.
Barbara Kyle - A10
Legends In Steel
A collection of miniature
knives. These are the knives
Barbara has been collecting
for almost 30 years. Knives
by Al Barton, Wayne
Goddard, Paul Wardian, Jim
Whitehead and many other
great knifemakers. She has also added a few factory mini-knives.
Fred Coleman - A11
A Collection Of Makers And Styles
There will be twenty one handmade knives by Bromley, Fox,
Kennedy, Little and Maxwell. There will be eleven factory knives by
Baker, Bear, Hen & Rooster and Russell. No two knives are alike be
they big or little, bone, leather, stag or wood handles.
Phil Bailey - A13
Battle Bowies
In keeping with this year’s theme of Bowie Knives, Phil will present
some “Battle Bowies.” These military related bowie style knives,
many of which were associated with raiders and other elite units,
served both ourselves and our allies. You’ll see a wide variety of
U.S. and Australian makers, some of which were modified with the
personal touches of the men who carried them.
Page 6
O r e g o n
Louis Chow - A17
The Evolution Of The Loveless Subhilt Fighter
The evolution of the Loveless subhilt fighter from 1954 to the present.
On exhibit: the first fighter Loveless made for sale in 1954, Delaware
period fighters owned and carried by US military service members,
a special order Lawndale subhilt with a Brazillian hardwood handle,
the actual crown-stag handle subhilt that was first marketed as the
“Big Bear” in 1969, Big Bears made during the Riverside period,
and two unique subhilts (a Big Bear and a subhilt chute knife) made
in the Loveless shop by Jim Merritt, Loveless’ business partner of
30-plus years.
Stanley Chan - A19
Custom Push Daggers
The collection features unique reprsentations of push daggers by
notable contemporary knifemakers including: Bourne, Chappel,
Cheatham, Cooper, Cronk, Dan-D, Gault, Hardenbrook, D’Holder,
Levine, Lile, Moran, D.Zaccagnino and others. New this year is a
rare push dagger made by D.E. Henry.
Walt Dabel - A20
Bowies
Sixty custom made contemporary bowies. Copies of old masters.
Variety from a miniature to the large 1966 Wayne Goddard bowie.
Gary & Scott Gowdy - A24
The Balisong
Underground Presents
A rare exhibit of fine and
historic collectible balisongstyle knives from some of
the world’s top collections.
Rick Wagner - X02
United States Officers’ Swords of The War of 1812.
BK Brooks - X07
The Bowie Knife
B K Brooks’ bowie knife display will explore some of the “Marketing
Themes” of manufacturers of
Sheffield and American makers.
These knives will have ciphers, acid etched sayings, Liberty Caps,
cross guards stamped with “Liberty and Union,” Old Zack riding his
horse Whitey, folding bowies, animal themes, a Gutta-Percha molded
dragon handle and more. Educate yourself on these “Marketing
Themes,” then look for more throughout the Show.
Jim Pitblado - X08
Variations of the Remington Official Boy Scout Knife and
its advertising from 1922-1939
This display covers over 45 Official Remington Boy Scout utility
knives and Official Remington Boy scout fixed blade knives. On
display will be the new, stag handled 1934 four blade scout, the pearl
handled four blade scout and the 1926 red white and blue knives
Ron Nelson - X09
Garth Hindmarch Bowies, One Man’s Passion
Ron will be bringing a collection of custom bowies all made by the
same gentleman, Mr. Garth Hindmarch, from Carlyle, Saskatchewan
(Canada). The knives are housed in two cases. One is devoted to
reproductions of fairly well known and documented bowies by well
known makers such as Searles and Michael Price. The second case
contains a selection of bowies that demonstrate a variety of styles.
Dave & Lonna Schmiedt
- X20
Indonesian & Philippine
Swords
David and Lonna will exhibit
their collection of swords
from Malaysia, Indonesia
and
the
Philippines,
including Moro swords, Nias Island swords and Borneo headhunter
swords. These are some of the finest and most beautifully crafted
edged weapons ever made.
Ed Holbrook - X23
Boy Scout History Through Knives
Ed’s new theme for 2014 is Boy Scout
history through knives. 12 showcases of
Boy Scout knives from New York Knife
Co. (1911) through the 100th anniversary
(2010). Ed “wrote the book” on Scout
knives, and he published an updated
edition of “Official Scout Blades” in 2009.
R.Terry Gail - X13
Case Stag Pocket Knives
Genuine stag handled knives by W. R. Case & Sons of Bradford,
Pennsylvania, have long topped the list of collector favorites. Stag is
a natural material, used only on premium examples of the cutler’s art.
R.Terry Gail - X14
Benchmade knives
This is a collection of technically advanced folding knives made by
Oregon’s own Benchmade knife company,
Don Hanham - X16
Horticultural Knives Are Working Knives - Their Various
Types & Applications
Budding and grafting, pruning and reaping, specialized knives are
a vital part of horticulture, agriculture and gardening. This is a
collection showing the wide variety of knife styles used in working
with plants and crops - what they are and how they work.
Display Award Knives
Blanks of 0-1 steel were cut and profiled and given to makers
to complete. The completed knives will be awarded to the
individuals who will be recognized for their displays at the 2014
Oregon Knife Show. The following are the names of those who
have graciously finished these blanks to make the award knives:
Bill Amoureux - Northport WA
Don Bell - Lincoln MT (O12)
John Coleman - Citrus Heights CA (J16)
Wayne Goddard - Eugene OR (N10)
Gary Griffin - Bend OR (D04)
Greg Haile - Tigard OR (Q14)
Buck Collectors Club - X17
1.) Bill Finney will display his
collection of Buck Model 401's
(Kalinga) and Model 402's (Akanua).
2.) Joe Houser will display a collection
of early lucite handled knives.
3.) Bruce Dollinger will display a portion of his knives from the
Buck custom shop.
Cameron House - Salem OR (F09)
David Kurt - Molalla OR (I07)
Gene Martin - Williams OR (Q10)
Brett Mathews - Beaverton OR
Lynn Moore - Fall Creek OR (O13)
Dietrich Podmajersky - Seattle WA (P12)
Mike Adamson - X19
Bowie collectors’ display
by Mike Adamson &
Pat Reindel.
Peter Pruyn - Grants Pass OR (Q12)
Sterling Radda - Grants Pass OR (L09)
nator
Gene Martin - Williams OR - Event coordinator
Jerry Whitmore - Yoncalla OR - Engraving
April 2014
Page 7
The Changing World of Knives
By Wayne Goddard
Just when I'm getting used to a certain brand of epoxy,
sandpaper, or whatever, it changes. After some trial and error
I find a favorite dish at a restaurant and then it gets changed or
taken off the menu. I wish some things would be left without
changing.
Other changes are good. At one time I saved files on floppy
discs. Then zip discs, then CD discs and now on DVD discs
and an external hard drive. A CD will hold the information
from 400 floppies; the DVD will hold the information from 20
CDs. Those are the kind of changes that save space and time,
I like that.
Fifty years ago I clobbered together a homemade grinder that
I used to shape, smooth and buff the blade of my first knife.
All I had in mind was to make myself a hunting knife, and
then I made more and then even more. While making that first
knife, I had no idea that knifemaking would become my life's
work. I didn't know that my motivation to make hunting knives
would change. What happened is that new challenges came
along and sometimes I got tired of doing the same thing over
and over. There was one period of time when all I wanted to do
was make folding knives. Damascus steel came along and that
possessed me for more than a few years. Today all I want to
do is make another Bowie knife. When I hold a finished Bowie
knife in my hands, it does something good for me that is hard
to explain. It probably has something to do with owning them
for a little while, or is it the size, or perhaps the history they
have? I simply can't get very interested in making most other
types of knives; I do get excited by the next Bowie knife that's
floating around in my mind. That's a change that's been good
for me.
I'll vouch for what someone smarter than me said, "The effect
our work has on us is more important than the work itself."
My friends in Junior High and High School didn't have much in
the way of knives because I was good at trading. Their knives
were now in my collection. I had some nice old pearl and bone
handled pocket knives, classic hunters, a German bayonet and
a military bolo knife from WWII. Most of those knives are
extremely hard to find today. The young person who wants to
collect knives in 2014 will, for the most part, have to settle for
what is currently being made. Things have changed for those
who want to collect knives.
I'm a garage sale addict, and I usually ask if they have any
knives that aren't put out. Asking that question several years
ago made me aware of something that I had overlooked or
ignored. When I asked the lady running the sale about knives.
she said, "Would you like to see my collection?" I answered
yes and waited for her to bring it out for me to see. I expected
something other than what she had to show me. She pulled
the knives out of the cardboard box one at a time for me to
look at. There wasn't one knife in the whole box that was more
than 20-years old. Most were less than ten years old and 99%
of them were foreign made and not of the best quality at that.
As I finished looking at the last one, it was clear that she had
collected the only knives she could find. What if the cheap
import knives that are everywhere today are a part of what will
be collectable 40-years from now?
The more I thought about it the clearer it became that things
are a lot different than 40 years ago, or 20 years ago. Back
then you could find old knives for sale at a lot of places. Those
knives are largely gone, and what's left for people to collect
are the more modern knives. It takes a lot of looking and a fair
amount of luck to find a fine old knife in 2014. The scarcity of
old knives may mean there will be less knife collectors in the
future.
At our last Club meeting it seemed that at least half of the
knives shown at the show-and-tell were purchased on the
internet. No doubt that is changing the way folks find their
collectable knives.
Page 8
The OKCA Show is now 39 years old and is approximately
Continued on
page 9
ten times larger than it was at the start.
That's quite a change! Right from the
start there were a blend of collectors
and knifemakers, and the collectors
were mostly into old knives. If my
memory serves me right, the collectors
outnumbered the knifemakers. Today it
must be very close to a 50-50 mix with
the number of knifemakers increasing.
There are so many knifemakers at most
shows today that they aren't getting the
same percentage of their business at
shows as they once did. Some makers
blame the shows for being too large, or
that there are too many shows. That's
kind of like blaming the Earth for being
so large. My advice to makers who aren't
selling knives is that they make something different because it
could be a change that would improve their sales.
One thing that hasn't changed is the purpose of the Oregon
Annual Show which is defined in the bylaws. "B. The purpose
of this association as also stated in the Articles of Incorporation,
HAND-MADE KNIVES
Knifemakers from all over the
U.S. and from several foreign
lands come to the Oregon Knife
Show. You can meet wellknown makers and perhaps
order that special custom-made
knife you have always wanted.
Prominent knife dealers are
offering everything from
classic knives by makers long
gone, to the latest in high-tech
and high-art cutlery from the
U.S.A., Europe, Asia, Africa
and Australia.
Hand-made knives range from solid practical hunting, fishing,
kitchen and utility knives that are priced competitively with
good factory knives--though with that one-of-a-kind handmade touch--on up to exquisite, investment-grade, fine-art
pieces suitable for the most discriminating collector.
Metallurgy Seminar
Craig Morgan
The Oregon Knife Collectors will host a free Metallurgy
Seminar on Friday, April 11 starting at 8AM. Members and
non members are cordially welcome. We are pleased to have
Frank Cox, Western Sales Manager for Niagra Specialty
Metals. Accompanying Frank will be Bob Skibitski, Senior
Process Metallurgist CPM, from Crucible Industries. There
April 2014
filed with the State of Oregon, is to:
1) Provide an organization which will
unite persons with like interests in the
field of knives, to gather together for
the purpose of exchanging ideas and
fellowship. 2) Further knife collecting
as a hobby in both the antique and
modern field, as well as the collecting of
related items. 3) To further the general
knowledge of the knife field by providing
educational displays for the members
and the general public to see and enjoy."
There isn't anything in the bylaws about
the selling of knives. Yes, there is a lot
of buying and selling that goes on at
the Show. There are those who want the
OKCA Show to be a selling place exclusively for the types of
knives that they think are appropriate. I will remind them of
the motto we've had from the start. As to what can be sold or
displayed: "Anything that goes cut." That, of course, doesn't
include any items that would be illegal by city, county, state or
federal laws. Wayne has table N10 at this years Show.
The Northwest is an important
center of bladesmithing, so be
sure to note the wide variety
of hand-forged cutlery offered
here. Each forged blade was
individually hammered-toshape red hot by its smith or
maker. Many have Damascus
blades, built up of layered
or braided steels of varying
composition, then etched or
specially polished to reveal
the resulting pattern.
Another regional knifemaking specialty is traditional obsidian
knapping, as practiced in Oregon in the Stone Age. Some
modern obsidian knives are made for use, and they work as
well as similar knives did 10,000 years ago. Others are fine art
display pieces.
For the do-it-yourself knifemaker, don’t miss the wide
assortment of knifemaking supplies and guidebooks offered
by several of our exhibitors.
will be a power point presentation on the steel making process.
It will cover alloy composition, heat treatment and tempering
cycles, durability and edge retention. It will be specific to
knifemaking steels and will conclude with a question and
answer period. Whether you are a novice or a professional,
you will certainly benefit from the knowledge that these two
gentlemen bring to the table. The seminar will take place in the
southeast meeting room at the Lane Events Center. Entry will
be through the doors in the front at the southwest corner.
Page 9
Triks of the trade
for KnifeMakers
Wendell Fox
Over the years that I have MADE knives,
I have picked up several tools and tricks
that are never listed on a list of what is
needed for a new knifemaker. Every
knifemaker has his or her bag of tricks
some are helpful some are humorous,
but all are part of the trade. Here are
some of mine:
1. SOUND. A sound system with enough power to be heard
over the grinder. Should be wired into the main light switch or
VERY NEAR IT.
2. STATION OR TAPES That you like. Delta blues or early
rock sure make hand sanding easier.
3. COFFEE OR BEVERAGE. Should be placed near leak
in your vacuum system. Buffalo horn and stag really zip up a
cup of coffee.
4. TAPE. Black, duct, masking for the cuts a knifemaker
never gets.
Eateries
A large percentage of our visitors are from out of area, coming
from as far away as England, Finland and Japan. We list many
places they can lodge in comfort, and at this point we felt we
should name a few of the places to dine while here. Eateries is
what I call them. Eugene has some of the best in dining. First
on our list is SweetWaters at the Valley River Inn. Because
so many of our visitors stay at the VRI, they now open for
breakfast at 6:30 in time to fuel up for a day at the Show.
This is fine dining at its best. If you like sea food, we suggest
McGraths; and also a little fish place close to the Show called
the Fisherman’s Market. For Oriental cuisine try Ocean
Sky. There are also numerous Sushi restaurants in the area. My
favorite is The Sushi Station located on 5th street. Mongolian
food is best at Jungs. Mexican is good at Tio Pepe and Italian
can be found at Mazzi’s. Pizza is near the Show area at Papas
Pizza. To get your day started, we like G.J.’s for breakfast
along with Ye Olde Pancake House. If you are in a rush and
just want that energy pill called a donut, we recommend Bob’s
Donuts on Garfield. With all these good food choices, don’t
forget to come to the Knife Show. Maps are available in the
lobby or ask us, and we will be happy to tell you where to go
(oh, sorry, how to get there).
5. SUPER GLUE. All kinds of uses, also works good on finger
tips that come in contact with grinding belts.
6. PASTE SODDEN FLUX. Works great for finger tips when
you don’t use a push stick and your steel suddenly gets hot.
7. SMALL ADJUSTMENT TOOL. Four pounder works
great.
8. BENT COAT HANGER. For digging small parts out from
wherever the buffer tossed them if part can be found.
9. DIRTY RAG. No matter how many clean rags or towels
you have this is the one you grab when you clean your glasses.
10. UNDERSTANDING WIFE. THIS IS THE MOST
IMPORTANT OF ALL. If you don’t have an understanding
wife, you may as well find another way of life.
KNIFE SHOW ETIQUETTE
Knife Shows are a lot of fun. They are best, however, when
visitors follow a few basic rules of courtesy. These are:
NDo not handle knives without permission.
NDo not touch the blade or the edge of any
knife offered or displayed as a collector’s
item.
NDo not wipe off the blade of a knife. Let the
exhibitor do it.
Non-denominational
Chapel Service
Sunday morning 8:05 AM
Meeting Room #4
Chaplain Howard Hoskins conducting
Welcome all friends to come and worship with fellow knife
collectors. For information - Table L04.
Page 10
NDo not open more than one blade of a folding
knife at a time.
NDo not block a sale table if you are only
“window shopping.”
NIf you have brought knives to trade or sell,
obtain permission before displaying them at or
in front of someone’s table.
NPlease do not interrupt or comment on any
transaction.
Where The
Bowie Knivess
Are Located
Contributions
A handout with complete descriptions and details can be found
at the OKCA table.
Silent auction and door prize items are displayed prominently
during the course of the Show. Door prizes are awarded by
drawing to the public who have paid Show admission.
Many companies and individuals contribute knife-related
items and financial support to the Oregon Knife Collectors
Association Annual Show.
A20 - Walt Dabel
K02 - Bob Cassidy
B10 - Barbara Kyle
M03 - John M. Jarrett
B10 - Michael Kyle
MO3- Bernard Levine
B11 - Louis Chow
M03 - Mark Zalesky
C07 - Gary Wright
M11 - Ron Macy
C08 - Erik Remmen
N12 - John Whalen
D02 - Rick Woodworth
Q03 - Gary DeKorte
D04 - Dan Vaughan
Q12 - Pete Pruyn
D15 - Dean Oliver
S01 - Ray Simonson
G03 - Art Green
U11 - Jeff Freeman
G12 - Rick Sorrell
U14 - Mike Adamson
HO8 - Raymond Richard
X07 - B K Brooks
I01 - Dave Criswell
X09 - Ron Nelson
J14 - Mike and Ellen Silvey
X19 - Mike Adamson
J16 - John Coleman
X19 - Pat Reindel
The contributors to our organization are listed on our web
page http://www.oregonknifeclub.org
The following is a list of the people and companies who
have contributed to the OKCA:
Grand Forest Inc
Boker
Brian Huegel Browning
Country Knives
Bill Burtscher
Steven Huey
M.D. Caldwell
Ka-Bar Knives
CAS Iberia
KAI - Kershaw
Chef Works
KAI - Shun
Cold Steel
Pro Tool Industries
Columbia River Knife
Erik Remmen
& Tool
Ed Schempp
Condor Tool/Imacasa
Mike Silvey
Terry Davis
Victorinox Swiss Army
Dexter-Russell
Jerry Whitmore Epicurean Inc.
K & G Products
Flexcut Carving Tools
Sheldon Wickersham
Bruce Fried
William Henry
ABOUT THE OKCA
The Oregon Knife Collectors Association (organized in 1976) is a non-profit organization, happily involved with “Anything that
goes Cut!” The OKCA Oregon Knife Show, with 360 8-foot exhibitor tables, is the largest all-knife
organizational show east and west of the Mississippi River.
OKCA current members receive admission to the Friday “set-up” day at the Knife Show, nine
Knewslettters per year, invitations to our popular no-host dinner meetings and a chance to buy our
annual limited-edition Club knives. Membership is open to all.
Dues are $20/year (individual) or $25/year (family under one roof). Come to the
Club Table by the Show entrance after 2:00PM Friday, or after 9:30AM Saturday
or Sunday, to sign up and get your membership card or mail your check to:
OKCA - PO BOX 2091 - EUGENE OR 97402.
OKCA Club
Whot-zits & Whos Zits
Craig Morgan
President
Joshua Hill
Master at Arms
John Priest
Vice President
Dennis Ellingsen
Show Chairman
Elayne Ellingsen
Sec/Tres.
Knewslettter by elayne & dennis
Web page --- http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/
Club email --- okca@oregonknifeclub.org
April 2014
Letters to......
OKCA P O Box 2091 Eugene OR 97402
Packages to........
OKCA 3003 W 11 Ave PMB 172 Eugene OR 97402
Copyright (C) 2014 Oregon Knife Collectors Association.
No part of this Knewslettter may be reproduced without
permission of the OKCA.
Layout and printing by instaprint 1208 W. 6th - Eugene, OR 97402 -
Page 11
The Knewslettter
Oregon Knife Collectors Association
PO Box 2091
Eugene, OR 97402
OKCA CUTLERY DEMONSTRATIONS
39th Annual Show - April 12, 2014
All the demonstrations will take place in Meeting Room #3 or #4 which are located to the right (South) of the Show Entrance.
Demonstrations will start promptly at the specified times. These demonstrations are designed to be highly educational and
entertaining and are presented to show the many facets of our interest in cutlery and cutting tools.
Demonstrations
Saturday
Edge-U-Cation On Kitchen Cutlery - Joshua Hill (N04)
9:00
Micro-Observation Of knives - Murray Carter - (P01)
10:00
Sharpening knives - Lynn Moore (O13)
11:00
Forging a Knife - Dave Rider (O14) & Martin Brandt (N14) - Outside SE corner
12:00
Filipino Kali Knife Fighting Techniques - Suttle Impact Martial Arts
12:00
Non-lethal Response With An Edged Tool - Bram Frank (T04)
1:00
Dan Westlind - Knife Handle Design/Working Exotic Materials like Ivory
2:00
Flint Knapping - Making Stone Tools - Martin Schempp (T11)
3:00
The Art of Scrimshaw - Bob Hergert (At table X15)
Sunday Morning Chapel Service - Howard Hoskins (L04)
The number & letter following each name is the Show table location for that presenter.
Page 12
All Day
Sunday
12:00
All Day
8:05